Business Development Manager - Star Pubs - Midlands (Staffordshire or Leicestershire)

HEINEKEN has a long-held belief that pubs are an integral part of British culture and that well-invested pubs, run by skilled pub operators, can prosper and thrive. As the nation’s leading pub, cider and beer company and the name behind a host of brilliant brands, we’re looking for equally brilliant people to help us bring out the best in the great British pub.

The region you’ll cover will be within the Midlands area, across either Leicestershire or Staffordshire. The area will depend on the successful candidate’s location.

About the role

As a Business Development Manager at Star Pubs, you’ll manage around 33 pubs within either the Staffordshire or Leicestershire regions, working with a dedicated support team to build strong relationships with operators and lessees. Your role will be crucial in delivering a first-class retail experience and ensuring the success of our pubs.

This is a truly commercial generalist position where no two days are the same. Other than key meetings, such as team meetings, you’ll have the flexibility to plan your own diary and manage your work-life balance. You’ll work closely with a virtual team, including Pub Operations, Estates Managers and the Property Team, to create and execute tailored business plans for each pub.

Whether it’s recruiting new lessees and driving the letting of pubs, reviewing commercial terms, or rolling out brand and marketing initiatives, you’ll have the tools and support to bring your vision to life.

A key part of your role will be owning the P&L for each pub in your portfolio. You’ll have direct responsibility for driving financial performance, managing costs and ensuring profitability. Using your commercial acumen, you’ll identify opportunities to optimise revenue streams, increase efficiency and deliver strong financial results across your pubs.

You’ll also have the freedom to design and implement innovative retail solutions that directly impact the consumer experience. With your understanding of retail or hospitality, you’ll be empowered to take bold steps to enhance the customer journey and drive profitability.

Who we’re looking for

This role is more about developing and coaching rather than sales, and would suit candidates who have had previous area or regional operational management experience.

What you’ll bring

• A proven track record in retail, hospitality or business development.
• Strong experience with P&L management and driving financial performance.
• The ability to collaborate across functions, balancing commercial delivery with long-term partnerships.
• Strategic thinking, with the confidence to take bold decisions that grow profitability.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• A passion for creating exceptional customer experiences.
• Experience in the pub sector is a bonus, but candidates from other industries are welcome.
• A full UK driving licence is essential. Ideally, you’ll have at least three months of professional driving experience, although full on-road driver training will be provided if needed.

Why join us?

At Star Pubs, part of the global Heineken family, we believe in investing in our people and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. This is a role where you can make a difference to both the business and the communities we serve.

The good stuff

• Circa £55,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Annual bonus.
• Company car.
• Meal and broadband allowance.
• Company-funded private medical healthcare.
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 10%.
• 35 days’ holiday, with the opportunity to buy or sell days.
• A quarterly allowance towards purchasing HEINEKEN ciders and beers, including low- and no-alcohol options.
• Exciting career development opportunities.
• Access to colleague networks supporting diversity and inclusion.

About Star Pubs

Star Pubs is part of HEINEKEN UK. The vast majority of its 2,400 pubs are leased to small businesses and entrepreneurs, while around 200 pubs operate on the Just Add Talent managed operator agreement. Its ambition is to bring out the best in the great British pub by attracting and retaining the best operators, investing to create great pubs at the heart of their communities, and providing licensees with market-leading insight and support.